What Is 2019 U.S. Open Polo Championship

Overview

The 2019 U.S. Open Polo Championship was the 103rd edition of one of the most prestigious tournaments in American polo. Held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida, it brought together top teams from around the world competing for the historic title.

Monterosso emerged as champions, defeating the heavily favored Argentine team La Dolfina in a dramatic 12–11 final. The victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time since 2006 that a U.S.-based team claimed the championship.

• Monterosso secured victory on May 19, 2019, after a tightly contested final that came down to the final chukker, showcasing exceptional teamwork and endurance under pressure.
• The final score was 12–11, with the decisive goal scored in the eighth and final period, highlighting the high level of skill and strategy displayed by both teams.
• The tournament began on March 27, 2019, featuring a 12-team field that included international powerhouses such as La Dolfina, Valiente, and Dubai, all competing in a single-elimination format.
• Hosted at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the event drew thousands of spectators over its eight-week run, reinforcing Wellington’s status as the polo capital of the United States.
• Monterosso’s team included players like Peter Brant, Miguel Novillo Astrada, and Nico Pieres, combining American ownership with elite international talent to form a balanced and formidable squad.

How It Works

The U.S. Open Polo Championship follows a structured tournament format that emphasizes high-goal polo, the highest level of competitive play, with teams rated at 20 goals or above.

• High-goal polo: Matches are played at a 20-goal level, reflecting the combined handicap of players on the field, with each player rated between 0 and 10 goals based on skill and experience.
• Chukker duration: Each match consists of six to eight chukkers, each lasting 7 minutes of playing time, with a 3-minute break between chukkers and a 5-minute halftime.
• Team composition: Each team fields four players, with substitutions allowed between chukkers, and player positions range from offensive strikers to defensive stoppers.
• Tournament format: The 2019 edition used a single-elimination bracket after preliminary rounds, meaning one loss eliminated a team from championship contention.
• Handicap system: Player handicaps are assigned by the United States Polo Association, with top professionals like Adolfo Cambiaso rated at 10 goals, the highest possible.
• Field dimensions: The playing field measures 300 by 160 yards, significantly larger than a football field, requiring exceptional horsemanship and strategic coordination.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects between the 2019 U.S. Open and recent editions to highlight changes and continuity in the tournament’s structure and outcomes.

The 2019 tournament stood out due to Monterosso’s victory, breaking a streak of Argentine dominance. While the location and format remained consistent, the win signaled a resurgence of competitive balance and U.S.-based investment in high-goal polo.

Why It Matters

The 2019 U.S. Open Polo Championship had lasting implications for the sport in North America, both culturally and competitively. Its outcome inspired renewed interest in domestic polo development and youth programs across the United States.

• Revival of American polo: Monterosso’s win was the first by a U.S.-based team since 2006, reigniting national pride and investment in American polo infrastructure.
• Increased media coverage: The final attracted record viewership on ESPN, with live broadcasts and digital content expanding polo’s reach beyond traditional audiences.
• Economic impact: The event generated over $12 million in local economic activity in Palm Beach County, benefiting hospitality, real estate, and equine services.
• Youth development: Following the win, several U.S. polo academies reported a 25% increase in youth enrollment, signaling growing grassroots engagement.
• International recognition: The victory elevated the status of American teams on the global stage, encouraging more international collaborations and player exchanges.
• Legacy of ownership: Peter Brant’s leadership of Monterosso highlighted the role of passionate, long-term ownership in sustaining elite-level polo programs in the U.S.

The 2019 championship not only crowned a new champion but also marked a turning point in the evolution of American polo, proving that U.S.-based teams could compete and win at the highest level.